SPRINGFIELD – Millions of dollars could soon offer much-needed relief to local officials as they prepare for winter, said State Sen. Terry Link.

Legislation that would free up gas tax money for Lake County communities was approved in the Illinois Senate today. State transportation officials haven’t provided exact numbers on how much these communities are owed, but last year, Waukegan, for example, received more than $2 million in gas tax money. Across Lake County, the total was $23.6 million.

“This measure frees up money that belongs to local communities,” said Link, a Waukegan Democrat who represents much of the northern suburbs. “It makes no sense for it to sit in Springfield while local officials worry about affording winter services their communities need.”

Link voted to approve legislation that frees up billions of dollars across the state that is owed to local communities but were held in the lingering budget battle at the Capitol. The legislation will now head to the governor for final approval. While Gov. Bruce Rauner said he supports this proposal, the budget impasse began when he vetoed similar proposals back in June.